D'Qwell Jackson apologizes for arrest

His guilt or innocence has yet to be determined in a court of law, but Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson apologized Wednesday for any distraction his Feb. 4 arrest for simple assault might have caused.

Jackson, the team’s leading tackler last season, was involved in an incident with a pizza delivery man, reportedly over a parking space in Washington, D.C. Jose Bonilla Fuentes, 41, reportedly suffered injuries from a resulting altercation in which Jackson is accused of punching him in the face and the back of the head.

While Jackson said he couldn’t go into specific details because the case is pending, he said the truth will eventually come out when resolved.

“When time allows, there will be a chance where I can really speak on it," Jackson said. "But all I can say is that I take a lot of pride in my career and profession and the name on my back. The guys hold me accountable in this locker room and vice versa.

“I apologize for adding another distraction for this team. I'm very fortunate to do what I do. I love what I do and I'm passionate. When the time allows, the facts will come out, but at this point, I want to apologize to the community and my fans and all my supporters out there.”

Known as a high-character guy, the 10th-year pro was contrite and repeatedly apologetic about his involvement. He made a statement for a media throng in front of his locker as part of Wednesday’s media availability during offseason training activities, then repeated it again for a video interview.

Here’s his video apology.

Phillip B. Wilson can be found on Twitter (@pwilson24), Facebook and Google+.